Attorney, Kan. Senate leader spar over union bill

Tuesday

Feb 5, 2013 at 4:00 PM

A labor attorney and the Kansas Senate president sparred during a committee hearing over a bill that would limit the ability of unions to collect funds from employees' paychecks for political activities.

Associated Press

A labor attorney and the Kansas Senate president sparred during a committee hearing over a bill that would limit the ability of unions to collect funds from employees' paychecks for political activities.

Rebecca Proctor and Senate President Susan Wagle argued Tuesday over the use of tax dollars from public employees to finance political activities.

The Senate Commerce Committee is considering a House bill that would end the practice of allowing government employers to automatically collect the contributions for unions, including teachers.

Proctor argues that employees should be able to use their paychecks as they desire. Wagle counters that taxpayers have a right to say how their taxes are spent, including if they are used for political activities.